Among other controversial changes, Pope Francis is making the Vatican financial records available to outside experts.

on.aol.com

In a letter written to families on February 25th, Pope Francisurged Catholic families to pray for the success of the forthcoming Synod of Bishops on October 5th-19th, with the special topic being the life of the family. “I ask you, therefore, to pray intensely to the Holy Spirit, so that the Spirit may illumine the Synodal Fathers and guide them in their important task. Your prayer for the Synod of Bishops will be a precious treasure which enriches the Church,” Francis wrote. The official theme of the autumn gathering of the world’s bishops will be “Pastoral Challenges of the Family in the Context of Evangelization.”

Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images

The Holy Father reiterated that the Synod is meeting to address the “urgent pastoral needs” of family life today, and said that the attendees need the support of the prayers of the faithful around the world. “Such support on your part, dear families, is especially significant and more necessary than ever,” the Pope said, “the synod is dedicated in a special way to you, to your vocation and mission in the Church and in society.”

“In your journey as a family, you share so many beautiful moments: meals, rest, housework, leisure, prayer, trips and pilgrimages, and times of mutual support,” the Pontiff wrote, “if there is no love in these acts then there is no joy, authentic love comes to us from Jesus.”

Share this article

David Oatney is an active Catholic in the Diocese of Knoxville, Tennessee. He is a Past Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus Council 6730 and is a member of the RCIA team and is involved in religious education at his parish, St. Patrick's in Morristown.